Momentum builds on town centre regeneration works
Improvement works on a part of central Dewsbury are gathering pace, with plans outlined for future enhancements to the area.
The regeneration of Daisy Hill is part of the Dewsbury Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s plan for investment in the town centre.
Much of this work is supported by the Dewsbury Revival Grant Scheme, as well as the town’s Heritage Action Zone.
The council explains that it intends to create a new neighbourhood around Daisy Hill comprising homes which are affordable to rent or buy.
There will also be retail and commercial space, with the neighbourhood featuring both new buildings and converted structures.
Councillor Eric Firth, cabinet member for transport and Dewsbury ward councillor, said: “The scale of development we’re facing in Dewsbury is absolutely colossal, and Daisy Hill is possibly the area with the most moving parts.
“We’re looking at where to build on existing structures, and where to invest in creating brand new ones.
“In the current economic climate, a big part of that is knowing where to spend money wisely, and what will bring the best long-term value for those who live and work in Dewsbury.
“We know Daisy Hill has some challenges, which our regeneration programme faces head-on.
“What we’re shooting for at the end of all this work is one big, cohesive development, a beautiful area with lots of footfall – somewhere people can feel proud to call home.”
Keith Ramsay, chair of the Dewsbury Town Deal Board, added: “This work on Daisy Hill is an opportunity to bring the area’s array of living accommodation back into use, and it’s a huge part of our regeneration of the town centre.
“Through this project, we know we can make Dewsbury a more attractive location to live and work in.”
Among the Daisy Hill properties being improved and repurposed is 6-10 Westgate, which is being redeveloped to house three apartments, two office units and two retail spaces.
63 Daisy Hill, a former commercial building, is being converted into housing.
Meanwhile, plans for a flagship building on Daisy Hill – currently known as Fieldhouse – were approved late last year.
Fieldhouse is a four-storey property opposite Dewsbury Railway Station, and once transformed it will create 23 new homes which will be known as “Station Apartments”.
Smaller-scale work is being done on a number of other properties to boost the look and feel of the area.
The council says it is partnering with many contractors on different aspects of the Daisy Hill project.
These include Mood Developments, Code Building Solutions, Britt Harwood, Martin Walsh Architectural, Jupiter Construction, Rhodes Joinery & Building Services, and Roebuck & Holmes.
